Competency profiles provide a contemporary approach to understanding professions. This session will provide “hands on” instruction in building competency profiles. Presenters will provide best practice guidance on developing competency profiles either starting from scratch or based on pre-existing models. The general process for profile development and validation will be described, along with specific guidance about writing quality competency statements and structuring the final profile for use in pre-service education and training, examination development, and continuing competence/professional development initiatives.

The presenters will offer guidance on models of varying complexity, along with the lessons learned in building those models. Particular attention will be paid to:

partitioning the model to reflect what will be tested versus what will be taught

incorporating behavioral indicators

addressing single or multiple levels of competence

adapting to changes in the profession

translating the competency profile into actionable guidance

Participants will gain practical experience building effective competency statements and creating a model or structure to incorporate those statements. The speakers will provide time for Q&A regarding implementation of competency based approaches to professional credentialing.